The Profession

Respiratory care is a professionally and personally rewarding career with a balanced blend of technology and patient interaction. In this allied health specialty, respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care practitioners, help assess cardiopulmonary systems to treat and monitor heart and lung problems. 

The care provided by respiratory therapists may include administration of oxygen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mangement of mechanical ventilators, administering medications to the lungs, monitorint cardiopulmonary systems, and measuring lung function.  Patients range from premature infants needing rescue breathing to seniors who require pulmonary rehabilitation to live with chronic lung disorders.

Respiratory care practitioners are important members of the health care team. They work under the medical direction of doctors with expertise in pulmonary medicine, critical care, pediatrics, neonatology and rehabilitation.  Respiratory care practitioners assume significant responsibility for patient care, working closely with nurses, physical therapists, radiographers, and social workers. 

Employment opportunities are primarily in hospitals and medical centers, yet also include clinics, rehabilitation centers, and the delivery of home respiratory care. Professional advancement beyond the staff practitioner level includes roles in critical care transport, education, management, rehabilitation, case management, critical care, diagnostic lab, biomedical industries, and sleep medicine.

On average, respiratory therapists earn an annual salary of $61,318 (2011 data from www.iSEEK.org).